Baseline Standards for Producer Agreements

‍Publishing Splits: A Standard 50/50 Share

No matter how a deal is structured, publishing should be split evenly—typically 50/50 between the producer and the artist. This split ensures both parties are fairly compensated for their contributions, irrespective of other deal components like advances or master points.

‍Advances: Flexibility Is Key

The typical advance for producers generally falls between $2,500 and $5,000. However, this range is not set in stone. We've encountered deals with both lower and higher figures, as various factors can influence the final amount. The artist's status (whether they're independent or signed to a major label), the project budget, and the number of producers working on the album all play a role in determining advance payments. For example, if an album has multiple producers contributing to each track, advances might be lower to accommodate the budget.

Master Points: Negotiating the Right Deal

Master points—representing a producer's share of revenue from master recordings—typically range between 2% and 5%. It's rare to see deals offering more than 5%, but some may go as low as 1%. In some cases, artists may refuse to offer master points altogether. When this happens, it's important to negotiate for a higher advance to balance the deal. For instance, if the offer includes 6% of the masters but a lower advance of $1,500, the flexibility in negotiations can make it work.

Key Takeaways for Producers:

• Publishing Splits: Always aim for a 50/50 publishing split between the producer and the artist, regardless of other deal terms.
• Advances: While the market rate ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, the final amount can depend on project specifics, so stay flexible in negotiations.
• Master Points: The standard range for master points is between 2% and 5%. If points are low or not offered, consider negotiating a higher advance to ensure a fair deal.